9:33 AM, Labor Day, KOIN-TV, Ch 6 -- Portland anchorette Anna Katayama said researchers have blamed this year's hurricane activity on global warming, then went on to promote the upcoming local appearance of former VP, Al Gore.

Well, Anna Katayama, so-called broadcast journalist, which researchers said that?  Give us their names and credentials.  The reason I want that information is that nearly every experienced meteorologist or climatologist I have read or heard this summer and early fall has made a specific point of reporting that this year's hurricane pattern has absolutely nothing to do with global warming.  Your claim has only been uttered by a few.

And, as for Al Gore's Earth in the Balance, the only thing that is teetering there is the former VP's credibility.  From "no controlling legal authority," to accepting campaign donations from buddhist nuns to his ridiculous claims that he started the internet and that he and his wife were the models for the book, Love Story, the man lacks a single moment of credibility on any topic.  With respect to his statements about global warming, most particularly do we doubt the scientific veracity of such a drone.  (Do you know the brand name Arm and Hammer, Anna?  Do you know the politics of the founder?  How about Occidental Petroleum?  Do you know the connection both have to the Gore family of Tennessee?)

We all think you voted for him, Miss Katayama.  We all know your politics because we all know the kind of politics it takes to get a job at Portland, Oregon's CBS affiliate.  Non-liberals need not apply.  Only liberals understand that in the battle for social justice the end justifies any means.  Dan Rather was performing a noble act when he used manufactured historical documents in an attempt to kill the re-election of President Bush.

It is your station's right to hire anybody they want.  But, remember that freedom of the press isn't limited to Lefties like yourself.  We here exercise our freedom of the press by calling you a bad journalist for failing to present the true picture to your audience.  Hell, you didn't  even bother to call the conclusion a disputed one -- let alone what it actually is, which is a "highly and frequently disputed claim."  Where did you find evidence that shows the matter is anything other than as I have just described it?  From some hippie in Kulongoski's office?

You have made points with your current governor, Anna, for he is wearing the same blinders as you.  Congratulations on your larger accomplishment, which is equalling the level of on-camera baloney of the most fraudulent flack of recent history.  Baghdad Bob and Anna Katayama are certainly cut from the same cloth.

(LL)

© 2005 Oregon Magazine